FOMO -- fear of missing out.

FOMO -- fear of missing out. It's become a thing -- a familiar term these days. Young adults experience it socially and perhaps some of us in the mid-season of life do too, but where I REALLY see FOMO is in the business world. Am I connecting with the right people? Am I going to the right networking events and belonging to the best groups? I see the smiling faces and I wonder...should I have been there? Pictures, posts and stories can leave us feeling like we've missed something.

LinkedIn, I love ya, but you add to FOMO significantly. There is a constant flow of suggestions to join this group or that one. Paid ads find me and assure me that everyone that's anyone is joining this group. Here's what I say...toss FOMO to the curb. Identify what you need and go get it. Don't let the imagination of fun lost or missed connection hold you back. Be PROACTIVE not REACTIVE. Consider this:

* What are your goals? What are you striving to achieve personally and professionally? How does belonging to a group help you achieve those goals? Do you need to meet more people or are you striving to reach certain people? Do you want to learn something, grow in some way or connect with people a step ahead of you on the career path? Know your goals and be clear what you need to add in order to move your business or career forward.
* Once you've answered the key questions, write down ways to achieve those goals. Who can help you get there? What groups do you need to join? What experiences will get you closer to those achievements? Don't try to join the cool club for an ego boost or just to belong. Be intentional about what you need and why and move accordingly.
* Finally, how do these action steps to achieve your goals fit in your calendar and in your budget? Be realistic. You can spend all of your time (and money) going to meetings and attending events. You have a limited amount of time, energy and money. Be selective and mindful about what is going to prove the most valuable and get you where you want to go.

Networking is important. Connecting with others is invaluable. But you can't join them all. There will always be events you didn't attend and people you haven't met yet. Do your homework and be intentional and prudent about where you spend your time. You won't be missing out; you'll be SATO -- striving and thriving onward.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

#SATO #FOMO #networking #fearofmissingout #nonprofits #leadership #smallbusiness #BNI #connections #fundraising #events #intentional #goalsetting #communitydevelopmentprofessionals